Theme of Comradeship in “All Quiet on the Western Front”

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All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque describes the hardships of Paul Baumer, the narrator of the story, and his friends in World War I. Comradeship is a friendship between people who fight in the war. Paul Baumer and the soldiers form a close bond with each other to survive the war. Throughout All Quiet on the Western Front, Remarque conveys the theme of comradeship through the actions of Paul Baumer and Stanislaus Katczinsky.
Paul Baumer is one important character who demonstrates comradeship in All Quiet on the Western Front.
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In a bombardment, Paul exhibits comradeship when he encounters a French soldier in battle. After he stabs the French soldier in a shell-hole, Paul forgets the soldier is an enemy and expresses his desire to care for the soldier as he dies: ‘I want to help you, Comrade, camerade, camerade, camerade’ (Remarque 105). Paul bandages the French soldier’s wounds and gives the soldier water to drink. This is significant because Paul realizes he and the soldier share common brotherhood forms a bond with the soldier.

Moreover, Paul recognizes that he and the soldier both share the same fear of death. The second example of comradeship occurs when Paul helps a recruit put on his gas mask. Paul ‘seize [seizes] the mask, pull [pulls] it over his head’ (32). This quote is significant because Paul displays comradeship as he protects and takes care of the recruit in a bombardment. Lastly, Paul shows comradeship towards Albert Kropp on a hospital train. While on the train, Kropp develops a fever and leaves to go to a Catholic Hospital.
Consequently, Paul fakes a fever so he and Kropp can stay together: ‘I stick the thermometer under my arm at a slant, and flip it steadily with my forefinger. Then I give it a shake’ (119). This quote is significant because Paul fakes a fever to avoid separation from his comrade Kropp. A true comrade will always be there for a friend in good or bad times. Overall, Remarque emphasizes the importance of comradeship when Paul helps the French soldier he stabs, helps a recruit in battle, and never leaves Albert Kropp’s side.
In addition to the actions of Paul Baumer, Stanislaus Katczinsky is a second character who displays comradeship in the novel. In All Quiet on the Western Front, Katczinky teaches Paul and the soldiers how to survive at the front. For instance, the soldiers were about to go to sleep when Katczinsky appears with ‘two loaves of bread under his arm and a bloodstained sandbag full of horse-flesh in his hand’ (19). This is significant because Katczinsky shows comradeship as he provides assistance and resources for Paul and his friends. Kat further proves his brotherhood with the soldiers when he searches for food. The second example of comradeship occurs when Kat helps a young soldier in battle. Kat ‘spreads out two wads of dressing’ (34) to cover the wound of a soldier. This is significant because Katczinsky exhibits comradeship as he never abandons the young recruit in battle and takes care of his comrades.
In All Quiet on the Western Front, Remarque uses characters like Paul Baumer and Stanislaus Katczinsky to convey the theme of comradeship. Paul and Katczinsky share common fears to develop a close bond with each other and their comrades. Paul and Kat both display comradeship when they never abandon their comrades in battle. Today, Paul Baumer and Stanislaus Katcznisky represent the importance of helping friends through difficult times.

Melanie Aguilar

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